Accidental Poisoning

Protect your family against accidental poisoning

There are over a million cases of poisoning reported each year, most of them affecting children. To help reduce the risk of accidental poisoning in your home, take these simple precautions:

• Never refer to medicine as candy; it can confuse young children.
• Don't take your medicine in front of young children who may not understand its use.
• Never give or take medicine in the dark.
• Don't leave children alone with medicine. If you are interrupted while giving the medicine, take it with you.
• Use products with child-safety caps.
• Pour old medicines down the drain or toilet and rinse liquid medicine containers before disposing..
• Keep syrup of ipecac on hand to use to induce vomiting in case of accidental ingestion.
• Keep the number of the poison control center near the phone.
• Keep all drugs, chemicals and personal care products in their original containers, not in bottles or bowls that children associate with food.
• Don't store food and household products together.

Be especially cautious during a change in your family's routine, such as vacation, moving, arrival or a new baby or house guests as these are times when accidental poisonings are likely to occur.

If you suspect poisoning, check for these signs:

• dizziness, drowsiness
• odor on breath
• open bottles or spilled container
• vomiting, nausea or abdominal pain
• difficult or shallow breathing
• hyperactivity, irritability

Check to see if the victim is breathing:

• loosen clothing around the neck
• perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
• Take these first aid actions immediately:
• call poison center, emergency room and/or doctor
• cover victim with blanket and loosen tight clothing
• do not give food, drink, alcohol or drugs
• save and give doctor poisonous substance, container and label

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